Baby’s Life Saved By Botox (Exclusive)

**Miracle Baby: The Journey of Noel Price and Her Unique Diagnosis**

The heartwarming tale of Noel Price, a ten-month-old from San Marcus, Texas, has captured public attention not only due to her extraordinary medical journey but also because of her unconventional treatment involving Botox before birth. Her mother, Casey Price, 30, humorously remarked that Noel might be one of the youngest recipients of Botox worldwide, but it was a critical intervention that ultimately saved her life.

Noel’s story begins with a routine ultrasound on April 8, 2025, when Casey was just 17 weeks pregnant. The technician’s concerns about the baby appearing small were alarming, especially given that the Prices had previously faced pregnancy loss with their twin daughters, of which only Evangeline, now three, survived. As Jonathan Price, 40, who heads a non-profit, noted, past experiences had instilled in them the understanding that pregnancy could be fraught with unforeseen complications.

A week later, the couple visited a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital, where they received a devastating diagnosis: complex gastroschisis. This serious condition involves a hole in the abdominal wall, allowing the intestines to protrude and be exposed to amniotic fluid. Dr. Cara Buskmiller, a fetal surgeon at the hospital, explained to the Prices that complex gastroschisis poses a greater risk than typical cases, with a death risk of 10 to 15 percent and significant chances of lasting complications.

In light of Noel’s small size, doctors expressed concerns about possible genetic anomalies that could endanger her life. Jonathan recalled the news felt increasingly bleak, stating, “We wanted to do all we could to fight for her life, for her to have a life with us.”

As the tight opening in the abdominal wall threatened Noel’s health, Casey and Jonathan quickly became regular visitors to the clinic. Casey transitioned to being a full-time mother, attending appointments multiple times each week, anxious about the distressing situation while also trying to remain hopeful for their unborn child.

As complications increased, Dr. Buskmiller planned for the possibility of an early delivery to protect Noel’s intestines. Nonetheless, another strategy emerged that was less conventional: injecting Botox to relax the constricted abdominal wall. Although the treatment is typically associated with cosmetic procedures, this application aimed to buy more time for the baby to grow by alleviating the obstruction.

Recalling the day of the procedure on June 2, when she was 25 weeks along, Casey described a sense of calm despite the critical nature of the situation. “We are spiritual people. We believe in God — we feel like God was in control,” Jonathan reflected, affirming their unwavering support for Noel, irrespective of the potential outcomes.

Initially, the family was discouraged to discover no immediate improvement post-procedure. However, a follow-up appointment revealed that the Botox had indeed had a delayed but positive impact, allowing Noel to grow safely in utero for an additional nine weeks, safeguarding her organs and development.

Noel was eventually delivered via C-section on August 4, weighing a mere 3 pounds and 4 ounces. Immediately after her birth, she underwent a procedure to remove excess amniotic fluid from her bowel, followed by closure surgery five days later to restore her intestines and organs within her abdomen. The new parents found themselves navigating the challenging waters of NICU care; Noel spent 81 days in intensive care, during which the Prices managed the demands of a newborn alongside their toddler at home.

“We were switching off kids every two to three days and anxiously awaiting updates from the NICU,” Casey noted, reflecting on the toll of the experience.

Fortunately, Noel astounded her parents by overcoming many challenges that were anticipated from her condition. To their immense relief, she was free from any of the additional genetic risks initially feared, and she continued to improve. Now, at ten months, Noel is thriving, has transitioned away from her feeding tube, and enjoys solid foods. Her mother describes her as cheerful and inquisitive, expressing her displeasure when food is consumed in her presence without being shared.

Noel has developed a delightful personality, enjoying playful moments with her older sister and participating in light-hearted activities like watching birds and jumping in excitement. The Price family hopes that their inspiring story will motivate others facing challenging pregnancies. As Jonathan concluded, “We’re really thankful,” expressing gratitude for the miracles encountered along their journey.